Tag: rivers

Controversy in Rivers as LG chairmen’s tenures expire

Rivers State is on edge as the tenure of local government chairmen expires today, June 17, at midnight, with the chairmen refusing to leave office despite Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s warnings.

The chairmen, under the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), are relying on a controversial law passed by the State House of Assembly, which extends their tenure by six months.

State ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, insisted, “The law by the House of Assembly empowers us to remain in office.” However, Governor Fubara has maintained that the law is illegal and has warned the chairmen against taking any action that could disrupt the state’s peace.

Youths in Degema and Asari-Toru Local Government Areas have taken matters into their own hands, occupying council secretariats and demanding the chairmen’s exit. The youths, who were seen singing war songs and chanting, “He is a failure. You must go!” have vowed to remain until Wednesday, daring the chairmen to return to the secretariat.

In Degema, the youths locked the entrance to the secretariat and mounted a barricade in front of the gate, while in Asari-Toru, hundreds of youths stormed the council headquarters, occupying the facility and blocking the road leading to the entrance.

The situation is tense, with a heavy security presence in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor LGAs. Over six police patrol vans were stationed in front of the shut secretariat entrance, manned by fierce-looking security operatives. However, movements of people are not restricted.

Outgoing Eleme LGA Chairman, Obarilomate Ollor, has warned those trying to remove him from office, saying, “Let me tell you, the local government is not a community town hall or students union secretariat. That is a government facility. So stay away from there except the law permits you to go there.”

The stalemate continues, with the potential for further unrest as the chairmen refuse to budge and the youths maintain their occupation of the secretariats. The situation remains volatile, with the state government and the chairmen locked in a power struggle that could have far-reaching consequences.

June 17, 2024
Police uncover gang targeting, killing car-hire drivers in Rivers

The Police Command in Rivers has arrested some members of a criminal gang suspected to be murdering car-hire drivers and stealing their vehicles.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday, linked the group to multiple cases of drivers that got missing.

She revealed that the arrest of one gang member, Anthony Chima, exposed the sinister activities of the gang in the state.

She stated: “The discovery of this criminal enterprise targeting Uber drivers in the state followed the disappearance of one Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome, an Uber driver.

“Upon investigating the disappearance, Police operatives arrested one Anthony Chima, a 35-year-old graduate of Political Science from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.

“Under interrogation, Chima confessed to being recruited into a gang that specialised in luring taxi drivers into ambushes and stealing their vehicles,” she stated.

Iringe-Koko said that Chima’s testimony showed the gang’s further gruesome actions of killing the drivers and harvesting their body parts for ritualistic purposes.

“The suspect said that he was introduced into the gang by his friend, Amfoh Abu, the group’s arms dealer, and another individual simply identified as ‘Reason.’

“Investigation further revealed that ‘General Effizy,’ the gang’s leader, is a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper in the state,” she added.

The police spokesperson said that Chima confessed that he randomly obtains the Uber drivers’ phone numbers and pretends to be a passenger in need of a ride.

She said that on Jan. 10, Chima contacted Akpobome and directed the driver to pick him up at Reason’s residence.

“Disguised as a passenger, Chima lured the unsuspecting Uber driver to a remote area in Aminigboko, where he met Reason and General Effizy along with four-armed gang members.

“The driver was forcefully removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was tied up, gagged and gruesomely murdered.

“Chima later led the police to the shrine and Effizy’s residence, where personnel recovered the victim’s skull and a locally fabricated Baretta pistol,” she said.

Iringe-Koko said that a manhunt had been launched to capture the fleeing gang members, stating that Chima would face legal actions.

She said that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Tunji Disu, has advised Uber drivers to be cautious while picking up or transporting passengers, particularly to remote or potentially dangerous areas.

“The Akpobome incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and the importance of vigilance and cooperation with the law enforcement agencies,” the police image maker said.

June 4, 2024
We stand on Rivers interest first – Fubara

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has said that his administration will continue to prioritise the interest of people of the state under the mantra: ‘Rivers First’.

Fubara made the remark during the praise night organised on Friday by the state government to mark his first year in office, in Port Harcourt,

The governor, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, solicited the support of the people, in moving the state forward.

He urged the people to contribute their quota to assist the administration to achieve its vision of advancing the fortunes of the state.

The governor prayed that God would continue to move mountains on the path of the state, and make it better.

Fubara noted with happiness the spiritual ministrations and prophetic declarations by artistes during the event.

He said that they were manifestations of the victory which God had sealed in the state.

“We shall continue to have this shared vision of putting Rivers state first, but we can’t do it alone.

‘’We need all of you, big and small, to be there for us, to chip in the little or the much you can, and at the end of this our first tenure, you will see where God will take Rivers state to.”

Fubara thanked everyone who graced the occasion, especially the artistes, for the performances which included singing and dancing.

‘’I think there were spiritual ministrations that they have made, and they have also made prophetic declarations that we all said amen to,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured praise and worship songs in appreciation to God for the first year of Fubara.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the governor’s wife, Lady Valarie Fubara; former Gov. Peter Odili and his wife, retired Justice Mary Odili; and Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi.

June 1, 2024
Fubara fires 10,000 civil servants engaged by Wike

As the political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has fired 10,000 civil servants engaged by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Fubara said a new recruitment process would be carried out subsequently.

Speaking when he received a delegation of leaders and members of the RIWAMA Service Providers Association, on a Solidarity Walk to the Government House Gate in Port Harcourt yesterday Fubara said he took the decision because most of the people employed by his predecessor were over aged.

He was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke.

Fielding questions from the audience, the governor said, “I know that is the first question, the ten thousand jobs. When we came on board we already had details that were submitted to us from the 23 local government areas.

“You will agree with me that when we subjected those names to proper scrutiny, most of those names, in fact, 60 per cent of those names were over-aged. They were names that people brought for political patronage.

“But what we are talking about today is employment for the future. I, personally after the analysis of those things, said ‘How will you employ somebody who is 52 years old as a civil servant.

“How many years is the person going to work before retirement?”

Fubara assured that the social contract between his administration and the Rivers people won’t be broken as he challenged service providers for the Rivers State Waste Management Agency to redouble their efforts and make sure that refuse wastes are cleared off the streets promptly to have a cleaner city always.

June 1, 2024
Rivers: Coalition of 92 CSOs ask NJC to beam its searchlight on Justice Wali+PHOTOS

….may go to court over negation of Rule of Law in Rivers

A coalition of 92 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs under the aegis of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, CCLCA, has called on the National Judicial Commission, NJC to immediately beam its searchlight Justice Charles Wali of Rivers State High Court for issuing a controversial expate motion despite a subsisting order of a federal High Court.

TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports the Director General of CCLCA, Dr Gabriel Nwambu made this disclosure at press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

The coalition further stressed that if the situation is not quickly addressed by the NJC it will go to Court to seek redress.
Hear them:

The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness as a coalition of civil rights organization committed to good governance, upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law as the watchdog of the society has been watching with keen interest the latest unfolding events in Rivers State,Nigeria which by the mildest possible term is not synonymous to true democracy and democratic principles in line with global best practice. The rift between the Executive and the Legislative arms of Government and the actions of the chief executive officer in Rivers State which is akin to anarchy is becoming worrisome.

“Firstly, Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja gave a judgement stating that the Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule is recognized by law and certified by the court.
In order 4 given by J.K. Omotosho that the 11th defendant which is the Governor of Rivers State in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Rt. Hon. Amaewhule and others states that the 11th defendant is prohibited from making any request, presentation of nomination to any other house of Assembly other than that led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule. That judgement is subsisting.

” That judgement has not been set aside.
In another suit pending before the FCT High Court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2024 before Hon. Justice Okoro before the Rivers State House of Assembly and INEC concerning the defection of the 27 Assembly members, the court gave an injunction restraining the INEC and the defendants from declaring the seats vacant and from proceeding to conduct elections to fill any vacancy. The first judgement made by Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho is still subsisting and has not been set aside, the second order made by Justice Okoro has not been vacated.

“Now, the order made by Justice C.N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court recognizing the 3 law makers contradicts clearly the provisions of section 272(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended which states that a State High Court has no jurisdiction to entertain matters bothering on the tenure of the State Assembly. This means that the Rivers State High Court also lack jurisdiction to make an order.

” In other words, the order made by Justice C.N. Wali amounts to Forum Shopping, Abuse of Court Process and tantamount to self help.

” Consequently, as a coalition of Civil Rights Organizations, we can not allow such threat to our hard earned democracy to thrive in Nigeria where we operate a constitution, where the rule of law should be practiced to the letter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about a purported assembly where 3 persons parade themselves as law makers for an entire state contradicting clearly the provisions of section 96(1) as amendment which defines one-third (1/3) as what constitutes a quorum. If for any reason the assembly can not form a quorum, the assembly shall adjourn. It is never the intendment of those who crafted the 1999 Constitution that only 3 lawmakers shall be enacting laws for the people.

“Again, the chief executive of Rivers State relocated the Legislative Arm of Government, an institution of government, to commence sitting inside the Government House. This singular act is not consistent with the principle of Separation of Power, a complete abberation, desecration and denigration of our Constitution.

“Again, the purported screening of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dagogo Iboroma, before an illegitimate House of Assembly is an affront to the integrity of our legal system and a contemptuous act towards court judgments. The Federal High Court, in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023, clearly ruled that only the Amaewhule-led Assembly of 27 members can determine who their clerk is. We urge Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, and all leaders of the Bar to uphold the sanctity of the law and refrain from participating in actions that undermine the Constitution and the authority of the Federal courts.

“Despite the unambiguous provision of Section 272(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended without vacating a subsisting Order has gone ahead perpetrating illegality and contempt of court.

“Furthermore, we deplore Governor Sim Fubara’s intention to probe the immediate past administration.
“The Governor should also be reminded that the immediate past administration was where him served as Accountant General of Rivers State. The fact that he is calling for a probe of an administration for which he served as the chief accounting officer of the state already speaks volumes on his real intention for the said probe.

“Such actions already depicts a colouration of a hidden political motives in the enquiry and therefore has voided every outcome or report of such panel of enquiry.

“Moreover, Governor Fubara’s alleged plan to demolish the State House of Assembly is an assault on democracy and an attempt to silence opposition voices in Rivers state. The democratic process thrives on the existence of independent legislative bodies, and any attempts to undermine their autonomy should be condemned in the strongest possible term.

“Lastly, we are deeply concerned about reports suggesting that the chief executive is spending Rivers State funds outside the realm of appropriation. A replication of corruption, abuse of power and due process. This act contravenes the principles of fiscal responsibility and accountability. Public funds should be managed prudently and in accordance with the law.

“We urge the appropriate authorities to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate actions to safeguard the interests of the citizens.

“As a Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations, we firmly stand against these illegal activities and actions of Chief Executive of Rivers State. We call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and leaders of the Bar and the Bench to join us in defending the rule of law, upholding democratic tenets and principles, and safeguarding our constitutionally guaranteed rights.

“We will take all necessary steps to oppose these desecrations of our courts and the noble profession of law. “Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and the rights of the people in Rivers State are protected.

May 20, 2024
Rivers’ political wrangling may hurt investors’ confidence – Group

The tussle for political supremacy between Gov. Siminalayi Fubar and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, could affect investors’ confidence, a group has said.

The group, ‘Coalition of Rivers Leaders of Thoughts (CORSLOT)’, a non-partisan outfit, told newsmen on Friday in Port Harcourt that the lingering feud could cause economic and security breakdown.

“CORSLOT fears that the prolonged wrangling may affect investors’ confidence if not addressed,” the group said in a statement signed by its leader, Chief Sunnie Chukumele.

Other signatories included Prof. Reginah Azuwena, Mrs Odinaka Osundu, Mr George Ijoma and Chief Anuage Menegbo.

They called on Fubara and Wike to embrace peace so as to restore confidence to the state..

According to them, investors may avoid the oil-producing state if ongoing “political toxicity” is not contained.

CORSLOT expressed fear of a possible state of anarchy if the crises continued to gain momentum.

It promised to continue to apeal to all parties to see the need for peace, and particularly urged Wike, currently FCT minister, to have a rethink on the political imbroglio in Rivers.

CORSLOT urged “trouble entrepreneurs” and “eye service politicians” to note that power belongs to God and the people, stressing that the Rivers people were taking note of the actions of such selfish characters.

May 18, 2024
27 defected Rivers lawmakers can’t return – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the 27 lawmakers at the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lost their seats forever.

The party said this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

Ologunagba said that the clarification was necessary following a mischievous report in the social media claiming that there were plots to compromise the party’s position to return the defected lawmakers to their seats.

“Our party therefore stands by its position that the affected members have since lost their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly having committed an unpardonable constitutional breach.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP in its counter claim by its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1681/2023 filed at the Federal High Court Abuja stated clearly;

“That the former Rivers State lawmakers “are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from Dec. 11, 2023 when they publicly announced their defection from the PDP to the APC.

“For emphasis, the PDP in the said suit seeks among others the following Declaration/Orders against the former Rivers State lawmakers,’’ he said.

He added: “A declaration that by provisions of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the seats of the plaintiffs have been vacant since Dec. 11, 2023 when the plaintiffs announced their defection to the APC.

“A declaration that the plaintiffs are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly having defected to the APC on Dec. 11, 2023.

“An order directing the first defendant (INEC) to conduct bye-election in the respective constituencies of the plaintiffs in compliance with the provisions of the laws.

“An Order of perpetual injunction restraining the plaintiffs from parading themselves and/or further parading themselves or from performing or further performing the functions and duties of members of Rivers House of Assembly.”

May 17, 2024
Fubara vows to end era of fiscal recklessness in Rivers

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on Thursday in Elele vowed to ensure prudent management of the state’s revenue during his administration.

Fubara made the vow while declaring the commencement of construction of N80.3 billion 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road dual carriageway and bridge project in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers.

He assured the people that his government was dedicated to serving their interests and emphasised that no distraction would deter it from serving that objective.

“So, I assure you that every Kobo will be accounted for in Rivers State.

“We are people that are transparent; that are ready to serve in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Fubara expressed displeasure at recent attacks on his supporters by hoodlums allegedly backed by outgoing Local Government Council chairmen in the state.

He warned that those who attack innocent citizens in the name of politics would not be forgiven and would pay for their crimes.

“It is unfortunate that after we inaugurated the Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road project on Tuesday and left, some people went there and attacked our people.

“There is no need for that. Nobody has the monopoly on violence.

“I should even be the one to come out and shout that I will do this and that, but I have not done so because both sides (people) belong to me.

“So, I am advising those people who call themselves local government chairmen and that have few days in office, to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner,” Fubara said.

The governor also highlighted the transient nature of political power and urged politicians to act with caution.

“Politics will come and go, but we will still live our lives. If you deliberately hurt anybody because of expressing your useless support, nobody will forgive you.

“I have been the target of abuse as the Governor who doesn’t know what to do with power, but have I said anything?

“So, I am begging everyone to conduct themselves properly because I do not want anything that will bring problem in this state,” he said.

Regarding the project, Fubara explained that the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road and bridge project would be financed from the state’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR).

He said that 50 per cent of the project cost has already been paid and assured that it would be completed within 24 months.

The governor said the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company, had affirmed to completing the project within the specified timeframe outlined in the contract agreement.

“We are constructing this road out of our genuine commitment to serve the people, not because we have any economic interest here,” he said.

Sen. John Mbata, a former member, House of Representatives, praised the potential economic impact of the road when completed.

He applauded Fubara’s peaceful approach and leadership style of inclusiveness and consultation with all stakeholders in the state.

“We have moved away from the time when the governor of the state is seen as a god and demanded worship.

“We are now having a governor that has become a symbol and a rallying point for the people,” he said.

May 16, 2024
5 Rivers commissioners give reasons for resigning

The unending political rift in Rivers has taken a fresh twist with five Commissioners resigning.

Their resignations were contained in separate letters addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.

The mass resignation is the second since Gov. Siminalayi Fubara became governor on May 29, 2023.

The first of such mass resignations led to the peace accord initiated by President Bola Tinubu which later led to the recall of the commissioners.

The crises in the state had since defied all interventions, climaxing in the fresh round of resignations.

While the Commissioner for Social welfare, Mrs Inime Aguma, gave “absence of work place progression” as reason for her resignation, her Transportation counterpart, Dr Jacobson Nbina, cited “prolonged political crises”.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Gift Worlu, accused Fubara of “promoting toxic working relationship and attempting to fuse the legislative and executive arm thereby breaching the law of separation of powers”.

Also, Mr Austen Ben, Commissioner for Environment, in his letter, said that he decided to tender his resignation “because of the political crises in the state”.

As for the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmon, the “absence of trust, animosity and division amongst colleagues” forced out of Fubara’s cabinet.

May 16, 2024
Rivers Assembly screen, confirm new Attorney general

Members of the Rivers Assembly have screened and confirmed the appointment of Mr Dagogo Tamunoiboroma as the new Rivers Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Tamunoiboroma was confirmed at a plenary at the temporary assembly chamber in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo had read the correspondence from Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, requesting the screening and confirmation of the Commissioner-designate.

Responding to the governor’s request, House Leader, Mr Sokari Good-boy and Deputy Speaker, Mr Adolphus Timothy, unanimously adopted the confirmation of the nominee.

They based their confirmation on his track record while also adding that he was “a man of great repute and pedigree”.

According to members, the nominee has all it takes to support the governor in his quest to move the state forward.

Earlier, during a brief screening, Tamunoiboroma had pledged commitment to the government and people of the state.

He also stressed the rule of law which, he said, would prevail at all times.

The prolonged political rift between Gov. Fubara and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has torn the Rivers House of Assembly into two.

One of the groups is led by Oko-Jumbo while the other group is led by Martin Amaewhule.

May 16, 2024